LAS VEGAS — Blackmagic Design (www.blackmagicdesign.com) has announced a new high performance 4.6K sensor for its URSA high-end digital film cameras. The new Super 35 image sensor features high resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second and an extremely wide 15 stops of dynamic range for images that rival those shot on traditional 35mm film.
The new 4.6K image sensor captures 4608 x 2592 pixels and has a wide 15 stops of dynamic range to deliver images with higher resolutions and more latitudes. The dynamic range sometimes even goes beyond what the human eye can see. That means customers can now use URSA to get epic cinematic shots with more detail in the shadows and highlights. Files are recorded as 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG RAW to preserve the maximum amount of image data and quality for color correction and creative grading in applications like DaVinci Resolve. Broadcast quality files can also be saved in Apple ProRes for easy post production workflows with minimum storage requirements.
Blackmagic URSA 4.6K key features include: Large high-resolution 4.6K Super 35 mm sized sensor with superior handing of image detail; professional global shutter for smooth pans and image motion; up to a wide 15 stops of dynamic range that allows capture of increased details for feature film look; compatibility with extremely high quality PL or EF mount lenses; user upgradable design that allows customers to upgrade and change the sensor and lens mount; and support for ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes 422 LT, ProRes 422 Proxy recording at resolutions up to Ultra HD.
This new sensor will be available in two new models of the Blackmagic URSA camera. The Blackmagic URSA 4.6K EF model will be available for $6,995 and the Blackmagic URSA 4.6K PL will be available for $7,495. Both 4.6K models will start initial limited availability shipments in June and ramp up into full volume late July and into August.
Existing Blackmagic URSA customers can upgrade to the new 4.6K sensor for $1,995 for the EF lens mount and $2,495 for the PL lens mount. This “turret upgrade” will be available for customers to purchase and they can replace the turret on their URSA cameras to upgrade to this new higher performance image sensor.
In addition, the current shipping 4K models of Blackmagic URSA EF and PL cameras will be reduced by $1,000 allowing customers to get into Blackmagic URSA at a more affordable price. This also means that the difference in price between the 4K and the 4.6K Blackmagic URSA cameras is the same price as the 4.6K sensor upgrade. This lets customers purchase a lower-cost 4K camera initially and then upgrade later to the 4.6K image sensor without a price penalty. The new prices for the Blackmagic URSA 4K EF model will now be $4,995 and the Blackmagic URSA 4K PL will be $5,495.